Justin Style Bowen, a native of Virginia Beach, entered heaven on May 20, 2022, at the age of 35.  Though Justin battled addiction and mental illness, he was so much more than his struggles.  He loved hanging out with friends and family.  He was social to say the least.  Never knowing a stranger, he would always make you feel welcomed.  He would defend and stand up for anyone being mistreated, especially if they were an underdog.  Anyone that knew the true Justin knew he had a big heart.  He was compassionate and kind and cared about people.  Justin loved to have fun and was fun to be with.  He loved cooking, entertaining, playing disc golf, and taking his dog Mia to the dog park.  He enjoyed riding his bike on the boardwalk, playing pool, surfing, skateboarding, and playing board games or a hand of cards.  He was free spirited; a big kid at heart, loved to laugh, was a practical joker, and enjoyed a good dare.

Justin’s passions in life were fishing and being out on the water appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.  He loved to share his love of fishing with others, teaching them the skills he learned from his grandpa and dad.  He became a master at custom carpentry and loved to share the pictures of his creative beautiful handiwork and tell me about the details.  When I was teaching him how to play the piano, I had no way of knowing what a passionate musician he would become.  It was as if he and the piano were one.  It was a God given talent and if a piano was close by, he would make his way to the keyboard and his fingers would fly.  He was a worshipper and on the day that he passed, he was at the piano playing his last.

After Justin’s accident 9 years ago, the challenges he dealt with none of us really know.  He was brave and determined, and a tattoo was set indicating that he was “Not Done Yet”.  Justin tried to find the silver lining whenever he could.  As the years went by it was an up and down rollercoaster ride for Justin.  He soared on the highs and did his best in the lows.  I appreciate all of you that befriended Justin and stood by him, because I know it wasn’t always easy.  As one friend said, “you never knew what you were going to get”.  His true identity began to fade as his struggles became more apparent.  Another friend said, “he had a heart of gold and a devil on his back and unfortunately the devil won”.  I am confident that the devil did not win.  Though Justin is no longer with us, he is with his Jesus in heaven and that is a win-win for him.

Justin loved fiercely and we can take comfort in knowing his battle is done, he is finally free, and we will see him again in eternity.

Justin, though my heart is so very sad, knowing you are at peace makes me glad.  No more struggle, no more pain, I look forward to seeing you in heaven again.  I love you, Love Mom (Mumma).

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 2:00, to honor Justin.  It will be held at Beach Fellowship Church, 1817 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations in Justin’s memory can be made to any of the following causes: https://myrecoveryforlife.com/, http://anthemofhope.org/, https://www.caitlynshalo.org/.